I have a few tools on my bbs written in bash or python which
prompts the user to type into a field. The normal characters output
properly, but if I use backspace, I end up getting some sort of ascii
output of the key values. Or something. Below is the screen output for each
key I press. I don't care if arrows work or not. But I'd like backspace
to work as designed instead of spamming my screen.

Key Output
Backspace ^H
Right arrow ^[[C
Left Arrow ^[[D

So I can't even erase what I have in the field and need to start
over every time.

I've tried to explicitly define those keys as what they are in
code but, my skills need improvement because none of it worked. I tried
using AI in the past but it gave me some bugged crap that took more time
to debug than it would've taken if I just coded it on my own. I'm asking
for insight from yalls fine people. What can I do to fix this? I'm
hoping the solution is simple.

Using syncterm 1.8b updated Oct 6, 2025.

Thanks,

Daniel
--- Synchronet 3.20a-Win32 NewsLink 1.114

On 15 Oct 2025, Daniel said the following...

each key I press. I don't care if arrows work or not. But I'd like backspace to work as designed instead of spamming my screen.

Key Output
Backspace ^H
Right arrow ^[[C
Left Arrow ^[[D

When calling the script from the menu editor, do something like;
Command | (DD) Exec external program
Data | stty erase '^H' && /mystic/themes/default/scripts/scriptname.sh That's how I got around the backspace as delete issue, this should help you find the answer to the other keys too.
Cheers!
.... We all live in a yellow subroutine...
--- Synchronet 3.20a-Win32 NewsLink 1.114

Christian Sacks <usenet@vk3heg.net> writes:

On 15 Oct 2025, Daniel said the following...

each key I press. I don't care if arrows work or not. But I'd like backspace to work as designed instead of spamming my screen.

Key Output
Backspace ^H
Right arrow ^[[C
Left Arrow ^[[D

When calling the script from the menu editor, do something like;
Command | (DD) Exec external program
Data | stty erase '^H' && /mystic/themes/default/scripts/scriptname.sh That's how I got around the backspace as delete issue, this should
help you find the answer to the other keys too.
Cheers!
.... We all live in a yellow subroutine...

Thank you so much broham. It appears, though, I can only implement
one. When I do:

stty erase '^[[C' && stty erase '^DD' && stty erase '^H' ...
the arrow keys still output the junk.

--- Synchronet 3.20a-Win32 NewsLink 1.114

On 20 Oct 2025, Daniel said the following...

Thank you so much broham. It appears, though, I can only implement
one. When I do:

stty erase '^[[C' && stty erase '^DD' && stty erase '^H' ...
the arrow keys still output the junk.

You can't map the arrow keys to erase afaik, you'd have to do something else or leave them as just arrow keys, which is what I'd probably do if it were me.

.... Origin of Life? Just check my refrigerator...

--- Synchronet 3.20a-Win32 NewsLink 1.114

Christian Sacks <usenet@vk3heg.net> writes:

On 20 Oct 2025, Daniel said the following...

Thank you so much broham. It appears, though, I can only implement
one. When I do:

stty erase '^[[C' && stty erase '^DD' && stty erase '^H' ...
the arrow keys still output the junk.

You can't map the arrow keys to erase afaik, you'd have to do
something else or leave them as just arrow keys, which is what I'd
probably do if it were me.

If the arrow key can't be used for navigating a text field, said arrow
keys shouldn't be outputting junk. I was hoping for a way to avoid
that. Perhaps I should stop using bash scripts as doors and do some real coding.

D
sysop Air & Wave BBS
finger calcmandan@bbs.erb.pw
--- Synchronet 3.20a-Win32 NewsLink 1.114